Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Red both stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts looking for a smooth and responsive typing experience. The Chiikawa - 45g is well-known for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, making it remarkably sensitive to touch; this results in a crisp, high-pitched sound that adds a delightful auditory feedback to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red, with its slightly lower actuation force, caters to users with a lighter typing style while offering a satisfyingly smooth keystroke and a mildly clacky sound. Both switches provide unique characteristics—whether you prefer the Chiikawa’s sharp auditory sensation or the Ink Red’s silky typing fluidity—each brings its own charm to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Ink Red switches showcase an intriguing interplay of materials that shape their overall acoustic profiles. Starting with the top housing, the Chiikawa utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic allows for a clear resonant quality, which is particularly pronounced with RGB lighting due to the material’s translucency. Conversely, the Ink Red employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, delivering a similarly pointed and high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp but rather clacky. While both switches aim for a high-pitched auditory experience, the Chiikawa’s polycarbonate may lean more towards brightness, whereas the Gateron's INK blend brings a satisfaction akin to clackiness, achieving slightly different auditory results despite both materials promoting a pronounced top-end sound.
The differences between the bottom housings of the switches further elaborate on their distinct sound qualities. The Chiikawa features a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This provides a rounder tone that enhances the overall acoustic profile when bottoming out. In contrast, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing shares an aspiration towards a high-pitched and pointed sound but without the same depth that nylon embodies. Instead, it offers a thinner resonance that complements its clacky nature. As a result, while both switches exhibit high-pitched characteristics in their sound profile, the Chiikawa's nylon base contributes to a fuller experience, contrasting with the lighter, more penetrating sound of the Ink Red.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches leads to unique sound experiences, yet they also share common ground that can yield similar results in some aspects. The high-pitched profiles of both the Chiikawa and Ink Red suggest that they will produce a satisfying tactile and auditory experience, especially noticeable during key releases. However, the individual textures of the top and bottom housings affect the overall sound signature and feel of each switch. The Chiikawa's polycarbonate and nylon tandem leans towards a brighter, fuller sound, while the Gateron's INK blend throughout offers a consistent clacky experience. Therefore, while the resulting acoustic performance can yield similar high-pitched results, the nuances in sound quality and character are distinctly influenced by the chosen materials. In a typing experience, this means users might appreciate the brighter clarity of the Chiikawa alongside the clackiness of the Ink Red, even if they are both contributing to a satisfying auditory landscape.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar ease in triggering keystrokes, making either switch suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without excessive fatigue. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Chiikawa switch registers at 51 grams, while the Ink Red has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This difference means that while both switches feel lightweight during regular typing, the Ink Red requires more force when the key is fully pressed down, providing a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer response. Consequently, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option overall, making it ideal for those seeking a softer typing experience, whereas the Gateron Ink Red caters to users who enjoy a heavier feel at the bottom of their keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Chiikawa switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Ink Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer of the two. This difference in travel distance can influence the feel and responsiveness of the switches: those who favor quicker response times may prefer the Chiikawa for its more responsive nature. Conversely, users who appreciate a more substantial key press might lean towards the Ink Red, as its longer travel distance provides a deeper feel during use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 45g for $3.29.
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is noted for its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone that generates an engaging auditory feedback during typing. This clarity can enhance the typing experience, making each keystroke feel lively and responsive. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switch produces a combination of a neutral and chirpy sound profile. Its chirpy characteristics introduce a unique acoustic element, adding a slight squeak that may appeal to those looking for a distinctive auditory experience. Essentially, while both switches aim to provide satisfying sound qualities, the Chiikawa's bright tone versus the Ink Red's more varied sound creates a different auditory landscape.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is best characterized by its exceptionally light actuation force, likely contributing to a responsive, effortless typing experience. However, specific details on its tactile feedback are unknown. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch offers a notably smooth feel, described as silky, mild, and polished. This suggests that users can expect minimal resistance and a refined typing experience, allowing for comfortable, extended use. While it is unclear how the light feel of the Chiikawa compares directly to the Ink Red, they both advocate for a typing experience that minimizes effort, enhancing comfort.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Red linear switches provide unique experiences tailored for different preferences. The Chiikawa stands out with its bright sound and light actuation force, making it highly responsive, while the Ink Red offers a more varied sound profile and a smooth, polished feel for a gentle and intuitive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to deliver satisfying results, yet the individual characteristics may appeal to different users based on their personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Red linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force and a sharper, more high-pitched sound while you type, the Chiikawa - 45g is well-suited for you. Its crisp audio feedback and medium-light bottoming-out force can make typing feel fast and responsive, which is ideal for gamers or those who favor quick keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust typing experience with a silky-smooth feel and a slightly heavier actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red would be your best bet. With its neutral yet satisfying sound profile and polished finish, the Ink Red is versatile enough for both casual and professional environments, making it suitable if you desire an effortless typing experience without the need for a dramatic acoustic signature. Therefore, consider what aspects—sound, feel, and actuation force—are most important to you, and choose the switch that aligns with your overall typing style and preferences.
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